Unsworth (CC) FC 1 Uppermill 3

In our final match of the season which was effectively a Quarter Final League Tie against Uppermill it was the physicality and the brawn of our opponents that won the game and not fine overall play in a football sense . They won it with a desire to put their bodies on the line , to tackle at all costs , to foul when it justified taking one for the team not to concede, and to work together all over the pitch particularly when not in possession .

Their first goal was a case in point when the forwards switched off defensively and before you knew it from a throw in at the half way line an overlap was not picked up quickly enough and a free cross into the box game them the lead after we had had three or four gilt edged chances to take the lead .

This is a game where the lads must learn from their weaknesses which in the main are the physical and mental aspects of the game and put the work in at the gym and on the road to build up their physiques to be able to compete in adult football which beckons for the lads in the not too distant future .All the team must concentrate on their defensive game also as we have conceded too many easy goals for it to be a coincidence .

Overall I have been really pleased with the lads and though no silverware we have reached the semi final of The Manchester County Youth cup , and it was a game where we didn't take advantage of our numerous chances which has been a feature of our game this season to reach the final . We have also improved our position in the League losing just five games all year in a top quality League.

Defensively our football has improved enormously playing the ball out rather than clearing with a long ball and for a coach this has been pleasing as this is something we have worked on . No one has improved more than Joel in this aspect of the game .We must continue to work on both our finishing and defending as a team and to be able to use the offside trap effectively to improve once again next season .So well done lads for this season but put that work in to retain your place in the team but more importantly to improve as individuals to add to what we already have which is an abundance of talented young men whose behaviour on and off the field is exemplary and a credit to themselves .